Perceived Supportive Paradox After Diagnosing Human Papillomavirus: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most globally-prevalent sexually-transmitted disease. Many stresses experienced by the patients after their disease is diagnosed affect the disease progression, and these problems and consequences demonstrate the importance of the support for the patients. The present research was conducted to explore the perception and experience of support in patients diagnosed with HPV.

In this qualitative study, 24 participants (17 patients, 2 spouses of these patients, and 5 health service providers), selected using purposeful and snowballing sampling from April 2019 to March 2020, underwent an inductive content analysis conducted in dermatology clinic of Shahid Faghihi hospital, Shiraz, Iran. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, all of which were recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed in MAXQDA 2018 until data saturation was reached.

The patients aged 19-50 years old were married in 14 of the cases and their majority had genital or anal warts. Their level of education ranged from junior high school to an MSc degree. Perceived supportive paradox emerged as the main theme which consisted of 2 categories of supportiveness and lack of support.

The present findings showed many challenges for the patients in the face of contradictory behaviors by their relatives and health service providers. Integrated systems are required to develop in order to promote the understanding of health service providers of HPV and counsel the patients to take appropriate strategies and, therefore, eliminate their confusion and reduce their anxiety.